Man arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on the Texas Capitol, authorities say

Texas Capitol Remains Open as Authorities Investigate Alleged Attack Plan

Earthguardiansonline.com – Texas authorities have taken a 40-year-old man into custody after receiving information about a possible violent attack targeting the Texas Capitol in Austin. The arrest occurred early Wednesday, one day before the alleged attack was expected to take place, while state officials moved to increase security around the Capitol complex.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said it received credible information Tuesday evening involving an individual who was allegedly preparing for violence at the Capitol on Thursday. Officers from a SWAT team arrested Benny Caldera Jr. at about 3 a.m. Wednesday at a residence in Converse, a community near San Antonio.

Caldera was placed in jail and may face several charges, including a felony terroristic-threat allegation involving a public servant. Authorities have not publicly outlined the nature of the suspected plan, the intended method of attack, or whether investigators believe anyone else was involved. Those details were withheld because the investigation remains active.

Security Presence Increased at the Capitol

State lawmakers were informed about the reported threat and the arrest early Wednesday. The Capitol was not closed and continued operating on its normal schedule, but officials said visitors and employees should expect stronger security while investigators continue their work.

Texas Senate Secretary Patsy Spaw notified Senate personnel that security at the Capitol would be heightened during the investigation. Such steps can include a more visible law-enforcement presence and additional screening or access precautions, though officials did not specify what measures would be used in this case.

The Texas Capitol is both a working government building and a major public destination in downtown Austin. It houses the Texas Legislature, the governor’s offices and other state functions, while also welcoming visitors during regular operating hours. Any reported threat can affect lawmakers, staff members, tourists and people conducting everyday business with state government.

Keeping the building open while increasing safeguards signals that state officials are seeking to maintain normal public access while responding to a potentially serious security concern. The decision also reflects the limited information released so far: authorities have announced an arrest but have not described an ongoing danger to the public.

Federal Assistance in the Arrest

Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Department of Public Safety worked with the FBI in connection with Caldera’s arrest. Federal involvement can assist state investigators when a case raises broader public-safety concerns or requires specialized investigative resources.

“Texas will NOT tolerate threats of violence against our Capitol,” the governor said in a statement posted on social media.

The governor’s statement emphasized the state’s position that alleged threats directed at government institutions will be treated seriously. Public buildings, elected officials and government employees can become targets of threats intended to disrupt public business, intimidate officials or create fear among visitors and workers. Investigators generally examine the credibility, timing, target and available evidence surrounding such reports before determining what charges may be appropriate.

At this stage, the allegation against Caldera is not a finding of guilt. Any formal criminal case will proceed through the legal system, where prosecutors would need to establish the charges and the defendant would have the opportunity to respond in court.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear

The information released by authorities establishes a basic timeline: the tip reached the Department of Public Safety on Tuesday evening; investigators identified a potential threat for Thursday in Austin; and a SWAT team made an arrest before dawn Wednesday in Converse.

Officials have not said what led to the tip, how long the alleged planning may have been underway, whether weapons were recovered, or whether the Texas Capitol was the only location under review. They also have not identified any specific lawmaker, employee or visitor as an intended target.

An attorney named John Bunk is listed for Caldera, and messages seeking comment were left for him. No public response from the attorney was included in the information released by state officials.

For Texans with business at the Capitol, the practical message is that the facility remains open, but a more noticeable security posture may be in place. Visitors should allow additional time for entry, follow instructions from Capitol staff and law enforcement, and remain attentive to any temporary access changes announced at the site.

The case also underscores the importance of reporting credible warnings promptly. The information received Tuesday evening gave authorities time to investigate and act before the date tied to the alleged threat. As the inquiry continues, additional facts may emerge about the scope of the investigation, possible charges and the evidence authorities say supports the arrest.

For now, Texas officials are presenting the arrest as an intervention aimed at protecting the Capitol and the people who use it each day. The building remains open, lawmakers have been notified, and security has been strengthened while investigators determine the full circumstances behind the alleged plot.